A new survey by the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) and Morning Consult reveals that nearly half of U.S. adults have set a New Year’s resolution to start a new diet. However, fewer than 10% of them plan to try a plant-based or vegan diet, despite research indicating that this approach is one of the most effective for weight loss and maintaining long-term health.
The poll, conducted between December 13 and December 15 with 2,174 participants, showed that while 40% of respondents plan to reduce their calorie intake, and 26% intend to try low-carbohydrate diets such as keto, Atkins, or South Beach, only 7% are considering a plant-based diet. This is particularly surprising given that a plant-based diet is not only effective for weight loss, but also offers numerous health benefits, is more affordable, and contributes to environmental sustainability.
Dr. Roxanne Becker, MBChB, DipIBLM, a member of the Physicians Committee, explains: “Counting calories can be time-consuming and create a negative relationship with food for some people. Low-carbohydrate diets can have various side effects. In contrast, plant-based diets promote weight loss without the need to consciously restrict or count calories. Plants tend to be naturally lower in calorie density and higher in fiber, which helps people feel full for longer.”
Research consistently supports the effectiveness of plant-based diets. For example, the 2017 BROAD Study in Gisborne, New Zealand, involved obese or overweight participants with at least one comorbidity, such as type 2 diabetes. Those who followed a whole-food, plant-based diet for six months lost an average of 26.6 pounds and reduced their body mass index by 4.4 percentage points. These results were largely sustained even after one year. The control group showed no significant weight loss.
In a 2013 study by the Physicians Committee, 292 overweight or obese employees from GEICO Insurance Company followed either a low-fat vegan diet or no diet for 18 weeks. Those on the low-fat vegan diet lost an average of 9.5 pounds, significantly lowered total and LDL cholesterol, and reduced their hemoglobin A1c by 0.7 percentage points in participants with type 2 diabetes.
Additionally, a 2018 study from the Physicians Committee found that overweight individuals who followed a plant-based diet for 16 weeks lost an average of 14.3 pounds, while the control group showed no significant change in weight.
Beyond weight loss, plant-based diets reduce the risk of obesity-related diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, high cholesterol, and certain cancers. They are also more affordable and environmentally friendly compared to animal-based diets.
Dr. Becker notes that one reason so few Americans are planning to adopt a plant-based diet could be a lack of knowledge on how to get started. For those interested in making the change, PCRM offers free resources, including the 21-Day Vegan Kickstart program. Visit PCRM.org for more information.
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